Showing posts with label Logansport Cass County Chamber. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Logansport Cass County Chamber. Show all posts

Tuesday, January 15, 2019

Dearborn Area Chamber of Commerce Chamber Choice Awards & Expo; #BestChamber practices: Mequon-Thiensville Chamber: Monthly Government Relations meetings; Birmingham Bloomfield 2018-2019 Membership Directory and Community Resource Guide; Logansport/Cass County Businesswoman of the Year earns another another award: Walters named ‘Citizen of the Week’; Paducah Chamber’s Annual Meeting and Business Celebration; #BestChamber practices - Member Discovery Questions; Effingham County Chamber: Pacific Institute Training Coming in January; Romeoville Community & Membership Directory; #BestChamber practices: Clinton Chamber of Commerce: Annual Award Nominations - in person, Via email or Chamber website; Great Reston Chamber Launches new INCspire Program; Town Square Publications Chamber Membership Directories and Community Profiles: The best in the U.S.

Good morning #ChamberWorld! It's going to be a GREAT day!


Dearborn Area Chamber of Commerce Chamber Choice Awards & Expo

Dearborn, MI - The Dearborn Area Chamber of Commerce will host its prestigious Chamber Choice Awards & Expo on Friday March 15, 2019 from 10 am – 2 pm, at the Henry, an Autograph Collection Hotel in Dearborn. This awards event presented by Ford Land combines effective networking and business appreciation honoring five outstanding individuals and businesses. 80 organizations celebrating milestone anniversaries will be honored as well. New this year Business Expo showcasing over 40 Metro Detroit area businesses will take place prior to lunch from 10 am – 12 pm.


The Chamber is thrilled to honor KLA Laboratories as Business of the Year. This year KLA Laboratories will celebrate 90 years in the Dearborn business community. KLA Laboratories, a family run business founded in 1929, does a range of IT and communication services, including installing audio and visual systems, building WI-FI networks, and providing event production services. It has managed the Detroit Tigers, public address systems since 1935 and most recently worked on Little Caesars Arena.

Matthew O’Bryan, President & CEO commented, “KLA is honored to be recognized as Business of the Year by the Dearborn Chamber of Commerce. As a resident and business owner, Dearborn provides an excellent environment that promotes growth and prosperity for its neighborhoods, citizens and the business community. As KLA celebrates our 90th anniversary, we are proud to call Dearborn ‘Home.’”

Dr. Glenn Maleyko, Superintendent of the Dearborn Public Schools, is the recipient of the Business Leader of the Year Award. Maleyko was just named the 2019 Michigan Superintendent of the Year Award by the Michigan Association of Superintendents and Administrators (MASA). Dearborn Public Schools was also recognized as one of 45 district nationwide celebrating innovation & excellence in K-12 education.

Dr. Maleyko commented, “Receiving this prestigious award is a recognition of the hard work taking place in our district to benefit the students we serve. I am proud to be the Superintendent of our outstanding district. I am also very proud that our school district is a member of the Chamber of Commerce. This is an outstanding group that provides awesome leadership in the community and that is what makes this award and recognition such an honor.”

“All of us in education understand that our work is never done and we must always deliver the very best instruction. However, when I see our students excited to be at school, the enthusiasm in their face, and when I witness first-hand the success they are having in the classroom, I feel very optimistic about the future of Dearborn, this state, and this great nation.”

John Zadikian Multimedia will receive the Small Business of the Year Award. 2019 marks his 10th year of being in business. A community pillar, Zadikian is very active as a multi-winner of the Dearborn Area Chambers’ Ambassador of the Year award, winner of the Dearborn Heights Goodfellow of the Year and the Paul Harris Fellow award from the Rotary Club of Dearborn Heights. "Ten years ago, I took the same scary step many of my contemporaries take: the first one to entrepreneurship. The smartest thing I did was join the Dearborn Area Chamber of Commerce. The staff and memberships’ recognition of my talents and investment in John Zadikian Multimedia far exceeded my expectations. This award would not be possible without their tremendous support."

The Impact of the Year Award will go to Ford Land. “We are honored to be recognized with the esteemed award”, said Dave Dubensky, chairman and CEO, Ford Land. “Dearborn is our home and our recent Wagner Place development further exemplifies our commitment to the city and our vision to provide a work setting that continues to attract top talent to Ford Motor Company and the Dearborn area.”

“Our Chamber established the Impact Award in 2015 to honor those who truly impact our area and lives every day,” said Jackie Lovejoy, Dearborn Area Chamber President. “Ford Land’s commitment to the area and demonstrating leadership leading up to this momentous year and undertakings made their nomination a shoo-in!”

And finally, the Start Up Business of the Year will go to ZeeTheCook. ZeeTheCook Culinary Studio is a cooking & baking school that teaches people of all ages how to be creative and successful in the kitchen. The focus of ZTC is to bring people together for a fun and exciting social experience they will never forget!

Zee, also offers customized corporate team-building events, birthday parties, day camps when your kids are off school, family reunions and much more. As a licensed kitchen facility, owner, Zee Shami and her team of Chefs also offer catering services & healthy meals to our Dearborn residents’ on-the-go.

With the help of the Dearborn Area Chamber, ZTC has been able to connect with and do business with over hundreds of other businesses in our community. “I am extremely humbled and proud to be receiving this award from the Chamber and look forward to always making our city proud with my work at ZeeTheCook!” stated Zee Shami, Culinarian & Owner.

The Expo and luncheon includes a video component spotlighting each awardee, and will also highlight businesses celebrating milestone anniversaries from 5 to 170 years! The Expo provides companies exposure at a premier venue to promote their products and services to 350+ business owners, community leaders and corporate professionals.

The cost to attend the event is $50 for chamber members. Tickets for potential chamber members are $65. Space is limited. To register or to view sponsorship opportunities, visit the Chamber online at www.DearbornAreaChamber.org or call 313-584-6100.

Contact: Kelli Vanden Bosch, Director of Events and Media Relations, Dearborn Area Chamber of Commerce, 22100 Michigan Avenue, Dearborn, MI 48124, 313.584.6100


#BestChamber practices: Mequon-Thiensville Chamber: Monthly Government Relations meetings
Name: Local Government Relations Meeting
Date: February 5, 2019
Time: 7:30 AM - 8:30 AM CST
Event Description:
Mequon-Thiensville Community Promenade

Our February Mequon-Thiensville Government Relations will feature Sandy Custer and Connie Pukaite who are helping lead the planning and fundraising efforts for the Mequon-Thiensville Community Promenade on the northeast corner of Cedarburg and Mequon Road. The design serves as identification of a point of arrival into a special and distinct neighborhood that is the heart of two communities. The promenade enhances the entry point to the Town Center and Historic Main Street and is a public feature meant to:
- Announce arrival at a special place
- Activate the riverfront
- Serve as a public amenity
- Promote history and art of the community
- Celebrate the vitality and new growth at the heart of the communitiesYou’re invited to learn more about the Mequon-Thiensville Community Promenade design, planning and fundraising. More information: Mequon-Thiensville Chamber



Birmingham Bloomfield 2018-2019 Membership Directory and Community Resource Guide 

The Birmingham-Bloomfield 2018-2019 Membership Directory and Community Resource Guide is available at the Birmingham-Bloomfield Chamber of Commerce today! Thank you to Joe Bauman, Sheryl Geralds, Kelly Bennett and the Chamber team for their help and direction putting this together! 




Birmingham Bloomfield Membership Directory and Community Profile


Town Square Publications (www.townsquarepublications.com) can help you accomplish your chamber's gloss map, directory, community profile or publication needs at no expense to the chamber. Please email John Dussman at jdussman@tspubs.com or call (847)-427-4633.


Logansport/Cass County Chamber Businesswoman of the Year earns another award: Walters named ‘Citizen of the Week’

She brought yoga classes to downtown Logansport seven years ago and continues to make her ventures into well-being a destination for many.
Natasha Walters is a self-proclaimed “mompreneur” who is promoting healthy lifestyles and has even approached the city about establishing a community garden to provide fresh vegetables downtown.
It’s no wonder the Logansport/Cass County Chamber of Commerce named her the Businesswoman of the Year earlier this year. In the final week of 2018, she also has been chosen as the Citizen of the Week by Mayor Dave Kitchell.
“We’re blessed to have people like Natasha who turn their passions into places others want to frequent,” Kitchell said. “She has turned what once was a tire store into a healthy boutique that is one of many choices local residents have to pursue an active, healthy lifestyle.”
She is the mother of two and has a bachelor of science degree in apparel merchandising from Indiana University.
She is among local businesses that have taken advantage of the city-sponsored internship program since it was introduced in 2016.

Natasha will receive a certificate from the Mayor’s Office and a $20 gift certificate to a local restaurant. The Citizen of the Week is a program sponsored by the Mayor’s Office and recognizes local residents, natives or former residents for their contributions. Read more: Pharos Tribune
Paducah Chamber’s Annual Meeting and Business Celebration


by Sandra Wilson
The Paducah Area Chamber of Commerce will hold their Annual Meeting and Business Celebration on January 25, at 6 p.m., at the Julian Carroll Convention Center. The presenting sponsors are Mercy Health – Lourdes and Computer Services, Inc.

Local businesses and citizens will be recognized with the Chamber’s annual awards including Business of the Year, Small Business of the Year, Entrepreneur of the Year, Summit Award and Volunteer of the Year. The outstanding Non-Profit Award will also be presented with a $1,000 cash award from The Orthopaedic Institute of Western Kentucky.

The Leadership Paducah Alumni Association will present the Outstanding Leadership Alum Award. The Paducah Sun Business Journal will recognize the top 10 finalists for the Young Leader Award and announce the winner that will receive a $1,000 continuing education award.

Leon Owens, President of Swift & Staley and 2018 Chair of the Paducah Chamber Board, will pass the gavel to the 2019 Chair of the Chamber Board Daniel Jones, owner of Strawberry Hills Pharmacy.  New officers and board members will be recognized.

The dinner will include strolling stations featuring a variety of food selections. The emcees are Suzanne Farmer with Mercy Health and local magician and entertainer Todd Duff with Innovations Branding House. The entertainment of the evening is Louis Feuer who is a featured speaker at many conferences and events, especially those held at Disney. He has keynoted convention meetings and professional gatherings in a variety of industries throughout the country. His message is funny, inspirational and informative. With his energetic and dynamic delivery style, he is sure to pizazz attendees with a message of how to make personal experiences magical in both business and personal lives.

The reservation deadline for individual tickets is January 16, by 5 p.m. Tickets will not be sold at the door. Individual tickets are: $75/members; $125/non-members. Corporate sponsorships or reserved tables are available by contacting the Chamber.

For more information or to make reservations, contact the Chamber at www.paducahchamber.org, (270) 443-1746 or e-mail info@paducahchamber.org.


#BestChamber practices - Member Discovery Questions

1. Tell me what makes the perfect client for you?
2. How do you get in front of that perfect client?

Shari Posh, Consultant, Specializing in Member Growth - shari@strategicsolutionsforgrowth.com


www.strategicsolutionsforgrowth.com 


Effingham County Chamber: Pacific Institute Training Coming in January



Effingham County Vision 2020 and the Effingham County Chamber of Commerce are excited to announce that a new curriculum created by The Pacific Institute will be presented in Effingham on January 22 and 23.

Thought Patterns for High Performance Five.Zero is the latest in a long line of mindset empowering programs from The Pacific Institute®. Building on five decades of high performance programs, scientifically-driven and internationally-proven, TPHP FIVE.ZERO provides the mindsetting tools that enhance individual, team and organizational success.

World-renowned facilitator Laural Manegre will be presenting the two-day curriculum.  Manegre is an Executive Advisor and Senior Consultant for The Pacific Institute and has 25 years’ experience as a Master Facilitator, Executive Speaker and Leadership Consultant.

The two-day session utilizes easy-to-understand and easy-to-implement tools to focus on changing the picture, the strength to change and maintaining the change.

The training will be held January 22 and 23 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Midland States Bank Corporate Headquarters. The Chamber has negotiated a special price for the program of $395 per person, which includes continental breakfast, lunch and snacks.

For more information about this outstanding training program, contact Norma Lansing at 217.342.4147 or by email at nlansing@effinghamcountychamber.com. Registration information is also available on the Chamber website at www.effinghamcountychamber.com
Contact: Norma Lansing, President, (217) 342-4147

Romeoville Community & Membership Directory  

The Romeoville 2017 Community & Membership Directory is available at the Romeoville Chamber of Commerce today! Thank you to the Chamber team for their help and direction putting this together! 






Town Square Publications  (www.townsquarepublications.com) can help you accomplish your chamber's gloss map, directory, community profile or publication needs at no expense to the chamber. Please email John Dussman at jdussman@tspubs.com or call (847)-427-4633.


#BestChamber practices: Clinton Chamber of Commerce: Annual Award Nominations - in person, Via email or Chamber website
Nominations are now being accepted for the Outstanding Citizen Award, the Small Business of the Year and the Large Business of the Year.
The nominee for Outstanding Citizen Award must have been active in community activities, a resident of the Clinton Public School District, and have an excellent reputation and character. The Business of the Year Awards are given to outstanding Chamber members which have shown growth, innovation of product, exemplary customer service and/or contributions to the community. The Small Business of the Year is given to an establishment with one to 9 full time equivalent employees, and the Large Business of the Year with one to 10 or more full time equivalent employees.
Large Business of the Year Award
Nomination Form – Nominees will be evaluated for this Award Based on the following criteria:
• Any for-profit business with 10 or more full time equivalent employees headquartered in Clinton
• A member of the Clinton Chamber of Commerce for at least 2 years
• Businesses of the Chamber Board member will not be eligible for consideration
• Nominees will be judged on the following elements
o Business Growth and Performance
o Sound Business Strategies and Practices
o Customer Service Strategies and Practices
o Community Involvement and Contribution
o Employee Relations

Business/Organization: __________________________________________________
Contact: ______________________________________________________________
Address: ______________________________________________________________
City/State/Zip __________________________________________________________
Telephone _______________________ 
E-Mail: ______________________________
Submitted by ______________________________ 
Telephone _________________
Please attach to the Nomination Form up to one additional page stating why you feel this company should receive this award based on the criteria and judging elements. Email all documentation to director@clintonchamber.org, FAX it to (601) 925-4009, or bring it to the Chamber at 100 E. Leake Street by Friday, December 7, 2018. Thank you for your nomination
------
To nominate a person or business for one of these prestigious awards, you can submit your nomination in one of these ways:
  • Complete the nomination form online at the links below
  • By submitting the nomination form available for download below in person or by email to director@clintonchamber.org
  • By completing a nomination form in the Chamber office at 100 East Leake Street, Clinton, MS, 39056
Contact: CLINTON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE - P. O. Box 143; Clinton, MS 39060
Telephone: (601) 924-5912 | Fax: (601) 925-4009

Greater Reston Chamber Launches new INCspire Program

The INCspire Education Foundation presents the Entrepreneurial Business Accelerator program. This program is designed to give you the tools, processes, and techniques to consistently grow and scale your organization and push your thinking on how much growth you can achieve.

If you are an entrepreneurial thinker and run a business, association, or non-profit, or you run an internal department of a larger company, your success depends on your ability to keep 15 balls in the air at one time. If you are looking to grow your organization, become an
exceptional leader, and willing to focus on your business for one day every 8 weeks then this
program may be a good fit for you.

The Entrepreneurial Business Accelerator program brings together like-minded entrepreneurs and leaders from a wide range of industries and professions to meet, collaborate, and learn from and with each other.

Want to learn more? The next information session is Thursday, January 10th, in the Chamber Office from 11:30 am - 12:30 pm. Register Now

Still have questions and want to review the program with Amy Riccardi, the program facilitator, you can set up an appointment with her here.


Economic Development Coordinator
Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce - Bowling Green, KY

  • Coordinate and participate in existing industry visits with President and/or VP and provide appropriate follow up with the business.
  • Responsible for client database updates related to existing business visits.
  • Coordinate follow-ups and updates on existing industry expansion projects.
  • Maintain records of existing business job counts for board reports.
  • Coordinate participation in or planning of events as needed (job fairs, announcements, TB&I).
  • Oversee grant writing as well as various administrative functions related to grants.
  • Coordinate Chamber’s talent initiatives in collaboration with VP to include MSSC, Fundamental Skills for Manufacturing, etc.
  • Coordinate all activities related to the South Central Kentucky Training Consortium.
  • Coordinate all activities of the various committees and councils.
  • Communicate weekly with existing targeted businesses on job openings and provide report.
  • Scan data mine chamber job portal to share with workforce committees and councils.
  • Coordinate incentive application process for clients.
Job Type: Full-time
Experience:
  • Administrative: 3 years (Required)
Education:
  • Associate (Required)

Town Square Publications Chamber Membership Directories and Community Profiles: The best in the U.S.

Town Square Publications, a division of the Daily Herald Media Group, is a national chamber custom publishing group that specializes in developing partnerships by producing high-quality print and digitally integrated publications along with other added value programs dedicated to creating relevancy for local chambers of commerce and other membership focused organizations interested in raising non-dues revenues.

Town Square Publications parent company, Paddock Publications, has over 100 years’ experience of print product development and dedicated customer service in communities throughout the Midwest. Our experience allows Town Square Publications to offer you attractive royalty and non-dues revenue share streams, provide direct distribution of your custom designed printed publications, including digital and mobile integration, and all with the quickest turn-around times available in the industry. Town Square also offers multi-media maps in both print and online formats, both with our No-Cost guarantee. More information: Town Square Publications

Chambers of Commerce and member focused organizations serve as a valuable resource in the local marketplace. The networking opportunities and representation with a wide variety of diverse businesses in your community is the catalyst of a successful organization. For further information about Town Square's publishing partnership with chambers of commerce and our No-Cost guarantee and Earned Revenue Share Program, To request your chamber publication or map proposal, contact Town Square Chamber Proposal

Tuesday, January 16, 2018

Chamber Executive Ongoing Education Weekly New Idea: Blue Ocean Strategy - by W. Chan Kim and Renee Mauborgne; Noak To Give Romeoville State Of The Village Address; Logansport-Cass County State of the city, county lunch planned; TC Chamber :Making An Impact In 2018 And Beyond; Illinois state finances, economy dominated local news in 2017; Fingertip Facts: Bardstown, Kentucky; Scott Waller named MEC president and CEO; New Danville-Pittsylvania County chamber leader has ‘genuine passion for our region’; Superior-Douglas County Chamber of Commerce board of directors has named Taylor Pedersen president/CEO;

Chamber Executive Ongoing Education Weekly New Idea: Blue Ocean Strategy -  by W. Chan Kim and Renee Mauborgne

In this perennial bestseller, embraced by organizations and industries worldwide, globally preeminent management thinkers W. Chan Kim and Renée Mauborgne challenge everything you thought you knew about the requirements for strategic success. Recognized as one of the most iconic and impactful strategy books ever written, Blue Ocean Strategy, now updated with fresh content from the authors, argues that cutthroat competition results in nothing but a bloody red ocean of rivals fighting over a shrinking profit pool. Based on a study of 150 strategic moves (spanning more than 100 years across 30 industries), the authors argue that lasting success comes not from battling competitors but from creating “blue oceans”―untapped new market spaces ripe for growth.
Blue Ocean Strategy presents a systematic approach to making the competition irrelevant and outlines principles and tools any organization can use to create and capture their own blue oceans. This expanded edition includes:
  • A new preface by the authors: Help! My Ocean Is Turning Red
  • Updates on all cases and examples in the book, bringing their stories up to the present time
  • Two new chapters and an expanded third one ― Alignment, Renewal, and Red Ocean Traps ― that address the most pressing questions readers have asked over the past 10 years
A landmark work that upends traditional thinking about strategy, this bestselling book charts a bold new path to winning the future. Consider this your guide to creating uncontested market space―and making the competition irrelevant. Read more: Blue Ocean Strategy



Noak To Give Romeoville State Of The Village Address
Romeoville Mayor John Noak will present the 28th annual State of the Village Address Tuesday, Feb. 13 at the Edward Hospital Athletic and Event Center, 55 Phelps Ave. The Romeoville Chamber of Commerce event is slated for 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., including a luncheon.
Cost to attend is $50 for chamber members and $70 for non-members. Seating begins at 11:30 followed by lunch at noon.
Guests can RSVP and pay to reserve their spot by calling 815-886-2076 by Feb. 6 or register online. Advance registration online, no "walk ins" accepted. Read more: Patch.com


Logansport-Cass County State of the city, county lunch planned


The annual State of the City and County luncheon hosted by the Logansport-Cass County Chamber of Commerce will take place Wednesday, Jan. 17.
The luncheon, at Angie’s Catering and Cakes, 1007 17th St., will spotlight local leaders’ plans for the coming year. Cass County commissioners and Logansport’s Mayor Dave Kitchell will address those in attendance.
The event will be from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and tickets are $22 per person. Reservations should be made by Wednesday, Jan. 10 either on the chamber’s website, logan-casschamber.com, or by calling the chamber at 574-753-6388.

TC Chamber :Making An Impact In 2018 And Beyond


There are all sorts of axioms, proverbs and “old sayings” that underscore a very basic truism – it’s better to be in on the front end of a decision than trying to reverse or work around it once made.
It’s certainly true in business. A day rarely goes by that owners, stockholders, managers, employees and customers aren’t impacted by laws, regulations, administrative orders, zoning rules, health codes, policy decisions or other action taken somewhere on how they do business. Unfortunately, most of those business people spend their time doing their jobs and growing their companies. It’s difficult for them to keep track of all the things going on at a local city hall, a state capital or in Congress affecting business and commerce – much less offer a meaningful voice in how those decisions are made.
That’s why it’s important for business people to stay involved in organizations that work on their behalf. The Traverse City Area Chamber of Commerce has been in existence for more than 100 years. It, along with its parent organization TraverseCONNECT, has always considered business advocacy among its top priorities. It’s also prided itself in seeking non-partisan approaches to business and community challenges and opportunities, creating strong alliances with representatives across the political spectrum. The Chamber has also been an impact player on issues that some may not immediately associate with the business bottom line, immersed in areas including early childhood development and child care, innovative community growth and development, energy, education, public transportation and others.
That work is more important now than ever. In 2018 and beyond TraverseCONNECT, primarily but not exclusively through the Chamber and the Northern Michigan Chamber Alliance, will be accelerating and intensifying those efforts to make sure the region’s business sector maintains a strong, consistent and impactful voice with local, state and federal decision makers.
Among the new initiatives to implement those measures is the formation of a Political Action Committee (PAC) by TraverseCONNECT. The PAC, to be directed by an advisory committee that reports to the TraverseCONNECT board of directors, will support candidates and issues that strengthen northern Michigan’s economy and the businesses that power our region. It’s a common sense step in the evolution of TraverseCONNECT as an economic development catalyst. It is important to note that the PAC is completely separate from any of TraverseCONNECT’s subsidiaries, including the Chamber. All PAC expenditures and administrative expenses will be paid by separate contributions made directly to the PAC. No dues or other types of investments in the Chamber or TraverseCONNECT will be used for PAC activities, or expenditures to candidates or issue campaigns.
We will continue to work with elected and appointed leaders on both sides of the aisle to advocate for our members. Despite great strides being made in growing the Grand Traverse area’s economy, the business sector too often finds itself on the defensive against anti-business rhetoric and initiatives that would be harmful to job creators and their employees, as well as to the communities in which we live.
With the alliance, we’ll keep pursuing our highly effective “one size does not fit all” legislative advocacy strategy that’s gotten the attention of lawmakers both in Lansing and in Washington. We’ve successfully convinced our legislators the region needs right-sized solutions that can be effective in rural, less-populated areas for issues like economic development incentives, housing development, education and child care. People inside the Lansing beltway tell us that the Northern Michigan Chamber Alliance is among the more influential business organizations in the state capitol. Our intent is to build on that momentum going forward.
So it’s an ambitious agenda that lies ahead – but a critical one if we want to keep northwest Michigan on an economic upswing. We’ve successfully carved out a seat at the decision-making tables, and it’s time to be an even stronger voice for business.
Doug Luciani is CEO of TraverseCONNECT, a regional economic development organization that includes the Traverse City Area Chamber of Commerce, Venture North, and TraverseCONNECT Development, Inc. Contact him atdoug@TraverseCONNECT.org.


Illinois state finances, economy dominated local news in 2017

The end of the state budget standoff in July helped thaw the icy feelings of economic gloom that enveloped Springfield for the previous two years. Of course, the long-awaited budget deal hasn’t immediately solved the city’s financial challenges. Springfield’s ongoing efforts to dig itself out of the abyss — along with crime, the opioid crisis and an unexpected death — dominated local headlines throughout the year.
Here are our selections for the most significant local news stories of 2017:
1. State budget approved, local economy begins recovery
Sangamon County employers were in a little better mood by the fall 2017.
An end to a two-year state budget stalemate was thought to be a key factor behind the improvement in the Economic Outlook Survey released in November by University of Illinois Springfield and The Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce. The survey of more than 230 employers found 55 percent expected improve sales in the coming year compared with 46 percent in the fall of 2016, while 32 percent expected to add workers compared with 27 percent a year earlier. Despite the overall improvement, nearly 60 percent said state finances would remain a top concern in the coming year.
Springfield unemployment remained among the lowest in the state and home sales were expected to finish ahead of 2016. But a series of regional planning reports raised long-term concerns about slow population, income and job growth. An October study commissioned by Sangamon County called for a major overhaul of local economic-development efforts through creation of a new economic development corporation.
National retail cutbacks that began in December 2016 with the shut down of Kmart on Wabash Avenue carried into 2017 with the loss of major names such as Gander Mountain, OfficeMax, Staples, HHGregg, Smashburger, The Limited, Family Christian Store and the Dress Barn. Major renovation of the former Kmart space and the adjoining Sherwood Plaza began within weeks of the big-box shutdown with a series of new tenants opened in 2017, including Binny’s Beverage Depot and OrangeTheory Fitness. Outback Steakhouse and Burlington Coat Factory expected to open in 2018. Read more: Springfield Journal Register



Fingertip Facts: Bardstown, Kentucky
Historic Downtown Bardstown
  • Home to dozens of locally-owned restaurants and shops.
  • More than 300 buildings are on the National Register of Historic Places, with nearly 200 in the downtown district.
  • Bardstown is rich in religious heritage attractions, including the Basilica of St. Joseph Proto-Cathedral, the first Catholic cathedral west of the Allegheny Mountains, and the Abbey of Gethsemani.
  • Founded in 1780, Bardstown is Kentucky’s second-oldest city.
  • In 1789, bourbon was discovered by Baptist minister Elijah Craig.
  • Population: 11,242 (2010 census).

Story Ideas

Stephen Foster (July 4, 1826 – Jan. 13, 1864)
  • The “father of American music” Stephen Collins Foster
  • Wrote 286 works in less than 20 years
  • Composed the songs “Oh! Susanna,” “Camptown Races,” “Beautiful Dreamer” and Kentucky’s state song, “My Old Kentucky Home”
  • His story and music live on at My Old Kentucky Home and the outdoor, Broadway-style musical The Stephen Foster Story. at the park’s amphitheater
  • Interview: Johnny Warren, Managing Artistic Director at Stephen Foster Productions, JohnnyW@StephenFoster.com, 800-626-1563; 502-348-5971
Julia Wickliffe Beckhan: The Woman Behind Three Governors
  • Julia is the only woman in the world to be the mother, sister and daughter of a governor.
  • All is revealed during Tea at Wickland, the home where she was born in 1835. She was married to Kentucky legislator William Netherton Beckham.
  • Interview: Manager/Historian/Author Dixie Hibbs, DixieH@bardstowncable.net, 502-507-0808
Museum Treasures
  • The Civil War Museums of the Western Theater at Old Bardstown Village houses artifacts such as a doctor’s field kit, amputation saws, the drums of the 10- and 11-year-old drummer boys, soldiers’ letters to home.
  • Ranked one of the top four Civil War museums in the nation.
  • Exhibits also include battle flags, maps, weapons, photographs, writings, authentic Civil War uniforms and cannons, among them a 12-lb. mountain Howitzer belonging to Eli Lilly’s 18th Indiana artillery and a one-pounder smoothbore cannon.
  • Interview: Manager Kenneth Johnson, MuseumRow@bardstowncable.net, 502-349-0291
Kentucky Railway Museum
  • Located in New Haven (a short drive from Bardstown)
  • The only train-related attraction in the state with both a model layout and train excursions
  • See exhibits and climb aboard a restored passenger train, the L&N 152, on a 22-mile excursion through the Rolling Fork River Valley
  • 5,000-square-foot museum is a replica of the original brick L&N New Haven depot and holds more than 70 pieces of rail equipment, dining car exhibit, and a display of steam locomotive whistles
    Details: Lynn Kustes, Marketing Director, LKustes2546@gmail.com, 800-272-0152, 502-549-5470
Bourbon Immersion Experience
  • Bardstown is the Bourbon Capital of the World® and an official trailhead of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail®
  • Visit one or more of seven (soon to be nine) bourbon distilleries
  • Shop the Kentucky Bourbon Marketplace
  • Eat, drink and sleep at the luscious Bourbon Manor Bed & Breakfast
  • Visit Whisky Magazine’s Attraction of the Year: Oscar Getz Museum of Whiskey History
Bardstown Ghost Treks
  • Led by internationally known Certified Ghost Hunter Patti Starr
  • 2-hour tours features visits to Old Talbott Tavern, Jailer’s Inn and Pioneer Cemetery
  • Saturdays June through October
Holy Land Experience
  • The towns of Bardstown, Lebanon and Springfield together make Kentucky’s Holy Land
  • Includes the Basilica of St. Joseph Proto-Cathedral, the Abbey of Gethsemani, Sisters of Charity of Nazareth Motherhouse and the Bardstown Art Gallery/Thomas Merton Bookstore
  • Visit KyHolyLand.org, that lists all the things to see and do
A Town of Bed and Breakfast Inns
  • Bardstown’s home away from home options include inns, cottages, Antebellum mansions, Victorian Painted Ladies, a 1700s restored log home, a working farm, plantation home and winery, historic tavern (America’s oldest Western stagecoach stop), cottage hideaways and a jail cell and jailer’s residence with prisoner courtyard

Scott Waller named MEC president and CEO


Scott Waller, who has been serving as interim head of the Mississippi Economic Council for eight months, is now president and CEO of the state’s chamber of commerce.

The appointment was announced at MEC Capital Day 2018, where over 1,000 business and community leaders from across Mississippi joined with legislators and state leaders to discuss the upcoming legislative agenda. Waller, who has been with MEC for more than 11 years, had been serving in the interim capacity since the retirement of Blake Wilson in June.

“Scott has had an integral role in the growth of MEC over the last 10 years and has done an outstanding job in leading us through our transition period over the last eight months,” William Yates III, 2017-2018 MEC chairman and CEO/president of W.G. Yates & Sons Construction Co., said in a news release. “We look forward to the future of MEC as he leads us in helping to grow Mississippi’s economy as the voice of the business community.” Read more: Ledger-Clarion


New Danville-Pittsylvania County chamber leader has ‘genuine passion for our region’


Alexis Ehrhardt’s mother instilled in her the importance of education, public service and making a difference in her community.
“She was someone who valued inclusion and equity over just about everything else,” Ehrhardt, a Rockville, Maryland, native, said during an interview at her office at Averett University on Thursday morning. “She used to take me to marches in [Washington] D.C. and strap a billboard on me.”
On Jan. 2, Ehrhardt, 39, will apply what she has learned from her late mother and throughout her career on a region-wide scale when she becomes the new president and CEO of the Danville Pittsylvania County Chamber of Commerce.
Ehrhardt, the executive director of Averett’s Center for Community Engagement and Career Competitiveness, was announced as the chamber’s new director Dec. 6.
“Alexis has such a genuine passion for our region,” Chamber Board President Bert Eades said in the written announcement to chamber members. “The combination of this passion and her proven track record of organizational leadership impressed everyone on the search committee.”
Ehrhardt, current president of Riverview Rotary, holds a bachelor’s degree in Latin American and Caribbean studies and Spanish — with a minor in history — from Emory University, a master’s degree in higher education from the University of Virginia and a doctorate in leadership studies from Lynchburg College.
“My parents believed in serving your community and in educational excellence,” she said.
Ehrhardt will replace Laurie Moran, who died of cancer in June at 56. Moran was president and CEO of the chamber since 2002. Betty Jo Foster has served as interim president since Moran’s death. Read more: GoDanRiver.com

Superior-Douglas County Chamber of Commerce board of directors has named Taylor Pedersen president/CEO

Superior-Douglas County Chamber of Commerce board of directors has named Taylor Pedersen president/CEO to replace David Minor, who resigned in July 2017 to accept the CEO position at the Eau Claire Area Chamber of Commerce. Pedersen has been with the chamber since 2013, serving as director of the Visitors Bureau and Member Services. He has held the interim role since July. Prior to joining the chamber, Pedersen was general manager of Synergy Wireless, finance manager of the Superior Housing Authority and owner/operator of an American Family insurance agency, all in Superior. Read more: Duluth News Tribune